Baltimore Musician, Multi-instrumentalist & Music Writer Al Shipley Returns with Synth-Pop-laden Western Blot EP Too 30 (self-released)

Al Shipley is a Baltimore area musician and multi-instrumentalist, as well as a well-respected music writer, who, over the years, has written for Rolling Stone, The FADER, Stereogum, SPIN, Complex, and Pitchfork, just to name a few. Shipley has been sporadically playing shows and self-releasing music as Western Blot for about five years now; his releases include "Button Masher" b/w "Child of Divorce," "The Power Let Me Down," and "Sore Winners," all of which ended up re-appearing on Western Blot's 2016 debut full-length, Muscle Memory. Prior to forming Western Blot, Al Shipley played drums in a variety of Baltimore bands and says he simply started Western Blot "as an outlet for writing songs with synths." His records generally, showcase the vocal talents of Baltimore's finest frontmen and women; for example, Western Blot's latest release, Too 30 EP features 20ooo's Lizzy Greif on opener "Still Catch Myself" and Scott Siskind of Vinny Vegas on "Limited Edition." I have to admit, Too 30 EP is my first exposure to both Western Blot and Al Shipley and man, is it an interesting, genre-spanning 11-minute listen! Western Blot's Too 30 EP was recorded at Baltimore-based Mobtown Studios last year, where it was recorded, mixed, and produced by Mat Leffler-Schulman and engineered by Rob Liberati.

Lizzy Greif-led "Still Catch Myself" is a somber, slow-building listen that reminds me of fellow Baltimorean Flock of Dimes (Jenn Wasner,) as well as Yeah Yeah Yeahs' 2004 single, "Maps." Al Shipley takes the lead on title track, "Too 30," is a synth-laden jam about coming to grips with being in your 30's. It's instantly evocative of early 2000's Dance/Pop-Punk such as LCD Soundsystem, Franz Ferdinand, The Faint, and The Bravery. Scott Siskind-helmed "Limited Edition" features a muttled guitar riff/drum stomp reminiscent of Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Dani California" and synth squalls in the vein of Joy Division/New Order and Depeche Mode. EP closer "Ill Afford" steps into Prog-Rock territory, while keeping one foot firmly planted in Synth-Pop. Al Shipley's characteristically frenzied vocal delivery is evocative of Talking Heads' frontman David Byrne, Gary Numan, and again, LCD Soundstystem founder James Murphy. It has an underlying tone reminiscent of Noise-Rock darlings Lightning Bolt mixed with a layer of steel drums, which makes for quite the interesting, inventive listen. Western Blot's proper Muscle Memory follow-up will also feature Too 30 EP closer "Ill Afford." Western Blot's Too 30 EP is currently available to stream or download on their Bandcamp, along with the entirety of their aforementioned discography.

[W]reckless, Topless American Youth: Lana del Rey - "Born 2 Die" (Britney Spears Birthday 30)

Lana del Rey [Lizzy Grant] effectively became 2011's "It Girl" with the release of her phenomenal debut single, "Video Games" (Stranger) . Like many struggling singer-songwriters, Grant has been signed, dropped, and significantly changed her public image since bursting onto the scene (2009). With that said, it can be assumed that Lana del Rey has collected just as many "haters" as she has avid supporters. To be perfectly honest, the only other artist I can think of that made this much commotion... garnered so much wide-spread buzz/hate and critical acclaim -- right out of the gates -- with just one track is Britney Spears . And maybe in this post- Mike musical era, that's the true synthesis of Pop Culture: Britney Lynn Spears . After months of repeated teasing and speculation, Lana del Rey 's major label debut, Born 2 Die will [finally] be released this coming Jan. 30-31, 2012. Pitchfork reports that it will feature "Off to The Ra

"Let Me Shine for You:" Lindsay Lohan for Playboy (Winter 2011-12 Leak)

Lindsay Lohan essentially embodies exactly "What NOT to Do In Hollywood :" Fame, fortune, success... sex, drugs & Rock "N" Roll . Within a fairly short period of time, Lohan somehow managed to obtain a plentiful helping of POWER @ a very young age. This gradual rise-downfall was captured on film; Between 1998-2010, she portrayed a wide array of roles across the silver screen in movies including: Mean Girls, Bobby , Herbie Fully Loaded , Georgia Rule, Machete , and Freaky Friday . Between rapid-paced film shoots, Lindsay Lohan also found time to record 2 Pop Rock albums for Casablanca , Speak (2004) and A Litter More Personal-Raw (2005). Needless to say, Lindsay Lohan has gotten roped up in a lot of troubles and woes with the law over the last 3-5 years... a vicious cycle of drugs, arrest, court, rehab, "daddy issues," jail time [Repeat]. That's the pure basics of it - But Google that shit for additional info, if necessary. Towards the end of

All-around Breakdown: Sean Martin Discusses Debut Instrumental EP Introducing The Magician As No More Magic (Residual Effects)

Sean Martin is a multi-versed musician, producer, and tattooer hailing from Connecticut. As a guitarist, song-writer, and/or producer he has worked with a variety of well-known artists including Hatebreed, Cold Cave, Wear Your Wounds, Umbra Vitae, Twitching Tongues, Cage, Kid Cudi, House of Blow, Head Automatica, XO Skeletons, Jet Fueled Horses, Handsome Boy Modeling School, and more. His versatility and flexibility within music allows him to blur the lines in-between the confines of Hardcore, Electronic, Metal, and Hip-Hop. Martin is, also, a skilled tattooer at Brass City Tattoo located in Oakville, Connecticut promoting the traditional approach to the craft. Founded by Martin himself between 2020-22, No More Magic combines ominous melodies with downtempo beats to create a dizzying dream-like atmosphere. Paying homage to the golden era of Hip-Hop while forging ahead down its own dark road. For fans of Portishead, Massive Attack, and DJ Shadow. No More Magic's Introducing The

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